Despite widespread drought and scorched landscapes, 83-year-old Stuart Grindle has managed to keep his lawn in Tickhill, Doncaster, remarkably lush and green. Grindle, a retired joiner, has faced public scrutiny for his vibrant lawn during dry spells, with some residents questioning his water usage.
Grindle explained that while some areas are under hosepipe bans, his region currently is not. He emphasized his commitment to water conservation, utilizing four water butts and watering his lawn for only 10 to 15 minutes with a 360-degree sprinkler, aiming for dampness rather than saturation. "Grass wants to be damp, not wet," he stated, advising against leaving sprinklers on unattended. He also noted that he pays approximately £1,200 annually for water on a fixed rate.
His meticulously maintained garden gained national attention nine years ago when it was named Britain's best lawn. In 2017, his dedication, which reportedly involved spending up to 16 hours a day and tens of thousands of pounds over the years on its upkeep, made him an overnight sensation. He was known to use kitchen scissors to perfect lawn edges and cut his grass twice daily at the height of his competitive gardening.
Personal Challenges and Garden Maintenance
Grindle's ability to tend to his garden has been significantly impacted by his health. He has undergone six hip replacements and two shoulder replacements, and walks with a stick, making strenuous tasks like mowing challenging. He has not pushed a lawnmower himself in years and can no longer kneel to examine the grass closely.
His son, Jonathan, who lives with him, assists with gardening tasks. However, the primary maintenance of the lawn is now handled by his friend Dan, a golf course greenkeeper who volunteers his time. "He comes and does my garden for me. No charge," Grindle said. "He does it because he’s marvellous and because he knows what it means to me."
This summer marks the first without his wife, Anne, who passed away in December after a battle with dementia. Grindle and Anne met at 17 and married in 1964. He described their relationship as rarely having a cross word. A memorial garden for Anne has been planted in the garden.
Grindle's passion for lawns began after moving near a golf course in 1973, sparking an obsession with grass seed. By the time they moved to their current home in 1976, he had a sizeable garden, which was initially scrubland. Over five decades, he has invested an estimated £60,000 in the garden, not including labor. He has created a landscape with no straight lines, designed to draw the eye through the garden.
He has recently observed singer Rod Stewart's vivid lawn in Essex, expressing curiosity about the grass seed used. Grindle's preferred seed is 'Bent,' similar to that used on golf greens. He acknowledged that while his lawn was in better shape years ago, the current focus is on maintenance to keep it alive during the drought. He plans to continue caring for the garden until he can no longer do so, stating, "I'll leave it when they carry me out."